Aren't birds of prey brilliant?

Did you know that red kites used to be so important they were protected by royal decree?

Birds of prey and us

Birds of prey have been treated very differently over the years.

For example, during the Middle Ages, red kites were highly valued. As scavengers, they helped to keep the streets of London and other towns clean of waste and carrion (the decaying dead flesh of an animal).

However, attitudes towards red kites and other birds of prey changed in the 16th century, when a series of laws encouraged people to kill them as vermin.

It wasn't until 1954 that new laws were passed to make it illegal to kill birds of prey.

There have been a number of successful reintroduction schemes for red kites and white-tailed eagles, and the spectacular sight of sparrowhawks, buzzards and kestrels is less rare than before.

However, there is still much to be done to return these amazing birds to their rightful places within the UK!

10 top birds of prey!

Follow the links below to learn more about 10 top birds of prey! From the awesome osprey, to the brilliant barn owl.